Daily Archive : Monday April 21, 2014

News

History of drownings in the Fox RiverBy Teresa SchmeddingSunday's drowning of a kayaker on the Fox River was the second death on the river this year. An especially tragic year was 2006, during which seven people drowned in five separate water accidents. In the Saturday accident one man was killed and another injured after kayaking near a dam in Geneva, authorities said. The two men who went over the dam were from a group of six friends from downstate...

Palatine Rotary Club 50th anniversary reception May 6Daily Herald reportThe Rotary Club of Palatine will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special reception Tuesday, May 6, from 5-7 p.m. at Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Drive, Palatine. The club was incorporated on March 2, 1964, and to date has raised more than $600,000 for community projects and charities.

23-year sentence for man who killed his dad in Arlington HeightsBy Barbara VitelloA Cook County judge “reluctantly” agreed to a 23-year prison term in exchange for a guilty plea by Steven Cole in the 2011 stabbing murder of his father, Stuart, in the family’s Arlington Heights home. Judge Thomas Fecarotta imposed the sentence after hearing that prosecutors and a family member of the defendant and victim had agreed to the penalty. Cole could have been...

Geneva dam drowning victim identifiedBy Susan SarkauskasThe man who drowned Saturday at the Geneva dam has been identified as Dinesh Sudhakar-Uckoo of Bloomington. Uckoo was a member of the McLean County Indian Association, MCIA President Ajay Kalavala said Monday. Kalavala said Uckoo was single and is survived by his parents and a sister.

Second trial in Waukegan business owner's 1994 murder set for trialBy Lee FilasThe 1994 murder of a Waukegan business owner goes to trial for a second time starting this week. Jury selection began Monday in the murder trial of Hezekiah Whitfield of Chicago. Whitfield, 44, is accused of killing Fred Reckling, 71, of Libertyville, inside his Grand Appliance store in Waukegan.

Mayors push for Illinois pension cuts this yearAssociated PressSuburban mayors joined counterparts from across the state Monday to reiterate their call for lawmakers to overhaul local police and fire pension systems to avoid strains on municipal budgets, but there were few signs the legislature would take up the issue anytime soon.

Wauconda police officers cleared in fatal shootingBy Russell LissauTwo Wauconda police officers have been cleared in an April 7 shooting that left one man dead, authorities announced Monday. The officers were justified in using deadly force because the man they shot, John T. Nightingale, was pointing a loaded handgun at them and refused to drop the weapon, said George Filenko, commander of the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force.

South Elgin gives out police awardsBy Elena FerrarinA South Elgin police officer and a Kane County sheriff's deputy were honored Monday night by the South Elgin Village Board for saving a woman's life during a house fire in January. Also, South Elgin police detective Brian Polkinghorn was named the village's Officer of the Year for his work ethic and mentoring of his peers. “It's nice to see other people recognized for acts of heroism like...

Two customers injured when car plows into Schaumburg StarbucksBy Sara HookerTwo Starbucks customers were injured and taken to a nearby hospital after a car crashed into a Schaumburg coffee shop Monday afternoon. The crash happened about 4:40 p.m. at the Starbucks at 181 N. Barrington Road. A driver, a 71-year-old woman from Streamwood, was attempting to park her white Chevy Malibu but accidentally hit the accelerator and drove through the front window, Schaumburg Lt.

Wheaton makes changes to liquor law, issues licensesBy Jessica CilellaLiquor was the topic of four agenda items at the Wheaton City Council meeting Monday. The city council issued three licenses and made amendments to the both the outdoor special event liquor license and a license classification related to the manufacturing of beer for sale and consumption.

Schaumburg budgeting for new village jobsBy Eric PetersonAlready embarking on an ambitious road improvement program while aiming for lower property taxes, Schaumburg trustees Monday also agreed in principle with administrators’ plans for several other service enhancements in the coming year. The village board unanimously recommended the staff’s proposed annual budget, which it plans to formally adopt tonight.

New learning support system coming to early grades in Dist. 203By Marie WilsonThe youngest elementary students in Naperville Unit District 203 will be supported in a new way beginning next school year. Administrators say the new method of helping students who are struggling to read or challenging learners who already understand classroom material will be more integrated, collaborative and flexible.“Our students will benefit from teachers’ and...

Violent weekend leaves 8 dead in ChicagoAssociated PressEight people were killed and 44 injured — including five children who were wounded when someone opened fire from a vehicle as they played outside — in weekend shootings, police said Monday.

Law firm’s clout fading at Chicago City HallAssociated PressThe long relationship the Chicago law firm of Katten Muchin Rosenman had with city hall under former Mayor Richard M. Daley seems to have faded under Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The Chicago Sun-Times reports Chicago taxpayers paid Katten Muchin $139,964 last year. The city paid Katten more than $6.9 million between 1998 and the day Daley left office in 2011.

U.S.: Russia has ‘days, not weeks’ to follow accordAssociated PressRussia has “days, not weeks” to abide by an international accord aimed at stemming the crisis in Ukraine, the top U.S. diplomat in Kiev warned Monday as Vice President Joe Biden launched a high-profile show of support for the pro-Western Ukrainian government. Russia in turn accused authorities in Kiev of flagrantly violating the pact and declared their actions would not stand.

A look at predictions of the 1964 World’s FairAssociated PressThe New York World’s Fair of 1964 introduced 51 million visitors to a range of technological innovations and predictions during its run. Fifty years later, some of those ideas have turned out to be commonplace in our world. Others? Not so much.

Utica residents observe 10th anniversary of tornadoAssociated PressA powerful storm swept through Utica on April 20, 2004, caving in the century-old sandstone walls of the Milestone Tap restaurant and tavern. Eight people were found dead in the wreckage the following day, while nine others were found alive in the rubble.

Carol Stream molestation case headed to jury TuesdayBy Justin KmitchThe case against a Carol Stream registered sex offender accused of molesting two teenage girls will go to a DuPage County jury Tuesday morning. Both sides rested their case Friday in the trial of Joel Augustine. Closing arguments will begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday before the case is sent to the jury.

Stowaway teen forces review of airport securityAssociated PressA 15-year-old boy found his way onto an airport’s tarmac and climbed into a jetliner’s wheel well, then flew for five freezing hours to Hawaii — a misadventure that forced authorities to take a hard look at the security system that protects the nation’s airline fleet.

Fox Valley area robotics team heads to world championshipBy Madhu KrishnamurthyA team of 25 Fox Valley area high school students will compete in the FIRST Robotics World Finals this week in St. Louis. More than 2,700 teams made up of 68,000 high school students worldwide vied for a spot in the finals at regional, state and international competitions. The Fox Valley area team is among roughly 400 teams that qualified.

In show of defiance, 32,000 run Boston MarathonAssociated PressSome ran to honor the dead and wounded. Others were out to prove something to the world about their sport, the city or their country. And some wanted to prove something to themselves. With the names of the victims scrawled on their bodies or their race bibs, more than 32,000 people ran in the Boston Marathon on Monday in a powerful show of defiance a year after the deadly bombing.

Obamas host annual Easter Egg RollAssociated PressPresident Barack Obama went 1-for-3 shooting basketballs at the White House Easter Egg Roll, an improvement over his 2013 performance, as he and first lady Michelle Obama applied a health and activity theme to the colorful annual springtime South Lawn ritual. Under sunny skies with mere wisps of clouds overhead Monday, the first lady was flanked by the president and an Easter bunny on the White...

Trial date set in Round Lake Beach murderBy Lee FilasA Round Lake Park man accused in the murder of a Zion teen will go on trial April 28 after he rejected a plea deal in Lake County court Monday. Jose Vergara-Rebollar is accused in the shooting death of 18-year-old Gabriel Gonzalez.

Mumps cases on rise at UW-MadisonAssociated PressUniversity health officials are warning students about a rise in confirmed cases of mumps at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The school says one to two students are showing up daily at campus health clinics with possible symptoms of the contagious viral illness.

U.S. prosecutor’s office in Chicago restructuresAssociated PressOne of the country’s busiest U.S. attorney’s offices has received a makeover under its new chief, including the creation of a violent crimes section that will focus on street-level violence in Chicago, though no new resources are being committed to any of the units, the office said Monday.

Bears’ Tillman hosts bowling fundraiser in RosemontDaily Herald reportChicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman will host a celebrity bowling tournament in Rosemont June 12 to raise funds for his foundation. Since 2012, the event has raised more than $320,000 for the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation.

Arlington Hts. mayor completes 10th Boston MarathonBy Melissa SilverbergArlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes finished his 10th Boston Marathon on Monday amid more security, and more emotion, than he’s seen before. He crossed the finish line in 3:49:03, not a personal best for the 57-year-old runner, but Hayes said he was glad to finish.

Millions in road, water and sewer work in Libertyville budgetBy Mick ZawislakLibertyville officials on Tuesday are expected to approve a $59.3 million budget, which calls for about $7 million or 13 percent more in spending than the current year. The general fund, which covers day-to-day expenses, is balanced with $25 million in revenues and $24.9 million in spending.

No movement yet on transit reform reportBy Marni PykeLawmakers weighed in on reforms proposed by a state task force that wants to change how Metra, Pace and the CTA operate in the wake of a patronage scandal.

Man gets 53 months in attempted kidnapping of Fenton studentBy Justin KmitchA Chicago man who grabbed and chased a 16-year-old girl as she walked to Fenton High School last April pleaded guilty and received a 53-month prison sentence. Mario Booker, 25, was sentenced after pleading guilty to aggravated battery in a public place.

Probation for repeat Elgin prescription drug offenderBy Harry HitzemanA 38-year-old Elgin woman who was arrested three times last year on felony prescription drug forgery and possession charges pleaded guilty Monday and got five years of probation. If Colleen Bagley fails to complete it, she could be sentenced anywhere from 5 to 16 year in prison. Bagley's sister-in-law, who has custody of her two children, said she believes significant prison time might be the...

Durkin says state can’t afford Obama libraryAssociated PressThe top Republican in the Illinois House on Monday criticized majority Democrats’ plan to offer $100 million in taxpayer money to lure Barack Obama’s presidential library to Chicago.

Chicago men plead guilty to Elgin robberyBy Barbara VitelloTwo Chicago men pleaded guilty Monday to robbing an Elgin electronics store last May. In exchange for guilty pleas to the class X felony, Antoine Adams, 39, and Ronaldo Crawford, 34, were sentenced to 15 years in prison. Each received credit for 299 days in custody.

Former Cook County sheriff dies at 80Associated PressFormer Cook County Sheriff Richard J. Elrod has died at age 80. Elrod served four consecutive terms as sheriff between 1970 and 1986 and was a Cook County circuit court judge from 1988 until his death.

Woman’s body found in Kishwaukee RiverAssociated PressA kayaker found the woman’s body Sunday afternoon in the Kishwaukee Gorge Forest Preserve. The Winnebago County coroner’s Office on Monday identified her as 46-year-old Beverly Janet Gitzmaker.

E-cigarette store opens second location in AlgonquinBy Amy E. WilliamsFrank Angiulo says he's already helped thousands of people along the path to quitting smoking since he opened his first Vapor Hut store less than six months ago in Crystal Lake. He said his second store in Algonquin has been so busy he's considering two other locations.

DuPage forest preserve district developing strategic planBy Robert SanchezDuPage County Forest Preserve District officials are seeking public feedback for its strategic plan, which is being created to help the district establish its direction for the next three to five years. A public opinion survey has been posted online, and six community meetings have been scheduled.

Learn about Laura Ingalls Wilder at Book & Bag ItSubmitted by Kimberly GotchesDue to a family emergency, David Clark, Geneva Public Library's scheduled presenter for "Bringing Family History to Life: The Stories We Could Tell" on Wednesday, May 7 has had to cancel his appearance. The show will go on with a new presenter. They will be featuring Laura Keyes, a local librarian and researcher, in her program about Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Poll: Big Bang a big question for most AmericansAssociated PressWhile scientists believe the universe began with a Big Bang, most Americans put a big question mark on the concept, an Associated Press-GfK poll found. Yet when it comes to smoking causing cancer or that a genetic code determines who we are, the doubts disappear.

Conant High School develops old glass-plate images of SchaumburgBy Eric PetersonStudents and teachers at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates recently applied their “old-fashioned” photo-developing skills to bring to life images from more than 110 years ago in neighboring Schaumburg. The pictures were preserved in recently rediscovered glass-plate negatives of local farmer and budding photographer Fred W. Pfingsten. “It's right at the time Schaumburg...

Arlington Heights girls’ puppy mill bill passes HouseBy Eileen O. DadayA group of girls from Patton Elementary School in Arlington Heights are taking the state Legislature by storm. Just last week, Claire Hackmann, Maddie O’Dell and Brooke Martin, wrote to State Sen. Pam Althoff, who will be sponsoring a bill — originally written by State Rep. David Harris of Arlington Heights — before the Illinois State Senate. It has already passed the House.

Former death row inmate details difficultiesAssociated PressA former death row inmate whose wrongful murder conviction helped bring about the end of Illinois’ death penalty said life has recently been more difficult with renewed questions about his innocence. Anthony Porter spent 16 years on death row for the 1982 killings of two people, but the confession of another man,

WWII ship group wants better Evansville dockAssociated PressEVANSVILLE, Ind. — The group that oversees a restored World War II ship wants a more visible location on the Ohio River as a condition for keeping it docked in Evansville.The LST-325 board is considering a proposal from Peoria, Ill., to move the troop landing ship there after its 10-year contract with Evansville expires.

Noncriminal patients moved from Wisconsin prisonAssociated PressCivil psychiatric patients have been discharged from a state-run mental health institute in Madison to free space for additional criminal patients, drawing criticism from law enforcement officials.

Images: Conant’s restoring Pfingsten picturesLinda Patino-Goergen, a teacher at Conant High School, and her photography club students developed glass plate negatives from about 1905 of scenes from the Schaumburg area's rural past.

Food co-operatives hope to open soon in the suburbsBy Jessica CilellaLocal food. Local ownership. Local gathering place. This is the vision hundreds of people living near Batavia, Elgin, Lombard and McHenry have for four separate food cooperatives they hope to turn into brick and mortar locations within the next two or three years. “It’s really so much more than a grocery store,” says Kathy Nash, co-founder of the Prairie Food Co-Op, which plans...

The state of Illinois has announced $1.6 million for more than two dozen environmental and education projects aimed at helping to conserve the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Video gambling exclusion list prompts questionsAssociated PressA proposed “exclusion list” designed to keep criminals away from the video gambling industry is prompting questions from those who want more protections to help problem gamblers.

Lawyer: No more appeals for ex-Dixon bookkeeperAssociated PressA former bookkeeper who stole almost $54 million from a Dixon has accepted she won’t be able to reduce her nearly 20-year prison term. That’s according to Rita Crundwell’s lawyer. He says the imprisoned former Dixon comptroller decided not to pursue other appeals options.

Chicago promotes bike-share programAssociated PressWith the arrival of warmer weather, the city of Chicago is promoting its bicycle-sharing program. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has declared this week “Divvy Week.” It’s part of a push to get more residents, commuters and tourists to rent the blue Divvy bikes from hundreds of docking stations across the city.

What to expect this spring after suburbs’ brutal winterBy Mick ZawislakDespite some stubborn spurts, the tough winter is pretty much in the rearview mirror. So, as we emerge from hibernation and head outdoors, what fallout will we find on nature from all of that extreme cold and heavy snow? Probably not as much as one might have thought.

10 stories you may have missed10 stories you might have missed this weekend: Bystander talks about rescue of one of two kayakers caught in Fox River dam in Geneva; Blackhawks are in a tough spot for tonight's game; Algonquin teen has visited 163 national parks; Geneva woman dies in motorcycle accident; Gurnee police asking for public's help to find missing teen; and Naperville Unit District 203 gets feedback on proposed...

Burlington runner recounts 'chaotic' Boston Marathon experienceBy John RadtkeWhen Sue Gruner crossed the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon, she had achieved a lifetime goal. In an instant, though, that sense of accomplishment became secondary. Within seconds of Gruner crossing the finish line, the first of two pressure cooker bombs went off on a day that some would say changed America, a day when a terrorist attack sent Boston, and the nation, into a state of...

Images: The Week in PicturesThis edition of The Week in Pictures features a lot of Easter activities, including several portrayals of Jesus, and several appearances of the Easter Bunny.

Sports

Clippers rout Warriors, even playoff seriesAssociated PressLOS ANGELES — Blake Griffin scored a career playoff-high 35 points without a foul and the Los Angeles Clippers led all the way in routing the Golden State Warriors 138-98 Monday night to even their first-round series at a game apiece.Chris Paul added 12 points and 10 assists for the Clippers, who started the game on a 14-4 run and kept on going, maintaining a sizeable double-digit lead through the final three quarters. They finished with a franchise record points for a playoff game. All the foul trouble that plagued Griffin and Paul in the Clippers’ four-point loss in Game 1 belonged to the Warriors this time. Stephen Curry scored 20 of his 24 points in the third quarter, when the Warriors never got closer than 25 points, while playing with four fouls. Klay Thompson finished with seven points — 15 under his average — and four fouls. Andre Iguodala, who fouled out of Game 1, and Jermaine O’Neal had four points and three fouls each.Game 3 is Thursday at Oakland.Los Angeles shot 57 percent, made 12 of 25 3-pointers, hit 32 of 35 free throws and owned a 25-13 edge in fastbreak points.The Clippers’ lead grew to a 37-point bulge early in the fourth on a 3-pointer by Matt Barnes, their only starter who played albeit briefly in the final period. He finished with 13 points. Danny Granger had 15 points before fouling out. DeAndre Jordan had 11 points and nine rebounds. The teams with a history of bad blood between them jawed in the fourth, when Clippers Hedo Turkoglu and Glen Davis got into it with Marreese Speights of the Warriors. Davis and Speights were called for double technicals.The Warriors’ frustration boiled over with 42 seconds left when Jordan Crawford was called for a flagrant foul-1 for shoving Darren Collison who was bringing the ball upcourt.Griffin had 21 points in 20 minutes of the first half, one minute more than he played in the Clippers’ loss on Saturday. He fouled out of that game, when Paul was also in foul trouble and made several mistakes in the closing minutes after the Clippers rallied to tie the game late.The Clippers got off to a 14-4 start, similar to their 12-1 start of two days ago. This time, though, the referees’ whistles were blowing at the Warriors. Thompson, O’Neal and Iguodala all had three each by halftime, when they trailed 67-41. Golden State had 33 fouls to 22 for the Clippers.The Clippers outscored Golden State by 11 points in the opening quarter and by 15 in the second. Curry got double-teamed for the second straight game, and he struggled offensively, making just one basket and two free throws in the first half.The Clippers’ second unit grew the lead from 11 points to 21 in the second, helped by consecutive 3-pointers from Jamal Crawford, Turkoglu and Granger. The starters came back in and had just four baskets the rest of the quarter while hitting 9 of 11 free throws to stretch the lead at the break.Thompson got whistled for his fourth foul barely a minute into the third. David Lee, who had a double-double in Game 1, had 11 points.

Cubs’ Renteria knows when to ‘raise the tone’By Bruce MilesThree weeks into the baseball season, wer're getting glimpses into the personality of Cubs manager Rick Renteria. An upbeat guy by nature, Renteria has had to "raise the tone" at times to get a message or two across to the team.

Stars shutout Ducks in Game 3Associated PressDALLAS — Kari Lehtonen had 37 saves, with some tremendous stops, for his first career postseason victory, and the Dallas Stars beat Anaheim 3-0 Monday night in their first home playoff game in six years.Dallas captain Jamie Benn skated out of the penalty box to score late in the first period, and 19-year-old rookie Valeri Nichushkin added a goal for the Stars in Game 3 of the best-of-seven series. The top-seeded Ducks won each of the first two games at home, both one-goal results.Game 4 is Wednesday night.Lehtonen, who held up through five Anaheim power plays, had a kick save near the end of one of those in the final minute of the first period. That came right before Benn came out of the penalty box and skated toward the other end for the winning goal.

Powerful line, powerful results for HawksBy Joe AguilarIn a series where not enough had been working for his hockey team, Joel Quenneville borrowed from last year’s Stanley Cup championship manual Monday night. He went back to something that worked so splendidly. The Blackhawks coach started Jonathan Toews and flanked his captain with struggling Bryan Bickell on his left and Patrick Kane on his right.

Blackhawks blank Blues in Game 3Associated PressCorey Crawford made 34 saves in his third career postseason shutout, and the Blackhawks got back into their playoff series with the St. Louis Blues with a 2-0 victory in Game 3 on Monday night.Jonathan Toews and Marcus Kruger scored as the defending Stanley Cup champions bounced back after a pair of overtime losses in St. Louis. Toews’ 21st postseason goal was only the second score by a Blackhawks forward in the series.Ryan Miller shook off another slow start and finished with 23 saves, but Toews’ shot at 4:10 of the first went through the goaltender’s legs and was costly.It was quite a turnaround for Crawford, who was upset with his play after Saturday’s 4-3 loss. Barret Jackman’s winning goal in Game 2 went through Crawford, prompting the goaltender to say he had to play better for Chicago to win.Just two days later, he came up with one of the best games of his career.Crawford seemed to be in the right place at the right time all night, drawing chants of “Co-rey! Co-rey from the capacity crowd at the United Center. He was helped by a sound performance by Duncan Keith and the rest of the Blackhawks’ defensemen, who stepped up while playing without the suspended Brent Seabrook.The Blues, who scored tying goals late in regulation in each of the first two games, pulled Miller with 57 seconds left, but the Blackhawks held on. Kruger stuffed home an empty-netter in the final seconds.Game 4 is Wednesday night.Each team was without a key contributor after Seabrook wiped out Blues center David Backes with a big hit in Game 2. The five-minute major and game misconduct penalty for Seabrook led to Vladimir Tarasenko’s tying power-play goal with 6.4 seconds left.Seabrook was suspended for three games by the NHL, putting Sheldon Brookbank in the lineup for the first time in the series. Playing with Keith, Brookbank turned in a solid performance in his 19th career playoff game.While Backes was held out with an upper-body injury, center Patrik Berglund returned for the Blues after missing three games with an upper-body injury. Berglund, who had 14 goals and 18 assists this season, skated behind the net for a nice wraparound opportunity in the first period, but was turned away by Chicago defenseman Nick Leddy.Seabrook’s hit on Backes, and at least one knee-on-knee blow by Bryan Bickell, increased the tension between Central Division rivals. But Game 3 was surprisingly civil, with each team wary of another penalty that could swing the series. There was a lot of chirping from each side, and that was about it.Looking for a spark, Chicago coach Joel Quenneville put Toews, Patrick Kane and Bickell on the same line for the start of Game 3. The trio had a lot of success in the Blackhawks’ run to the title last year.The move worked.Toews connected from the top of the left point in the first, beating Miller with a shot that might have deflected off the stick of Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. Bickell also created a couple of quality chances with some slick passing.

Blackhawks walk tightrope again in victoryBy Barry RoznerThe Blackhawks defeated the Blues 2-0 at the UC Monday night, cutting the series deficit to 2-1, but they never displayed the energy that was such a hallmark of their courageous performance throughout the 2013 Stanley Cup run. What they did was score early and pretty much go into a shell for the rest of the game.

Crawford sensational in Hawks’ 2-0 victoryBy Mike SpellmanIn the most crucial game to date, Corey Crawford came up with his biggest performance to date, stopping all 34 shots he faced, many in spectacular fashion, to lead the Hawks to a 2-0 victory over St. Louis and cut the Blues’ lead in the series to a much more manageable 2-1 advantage.

Time is right for Nelson, St. Francis’ new trackBy Dave OberhelmanManaging St. Francis’ first home track and field meet in the school’s 57 years, run on a surface dedicated in his name, stirred swirling emotions in the Spartans’ 26-year head coach, Scott Nelson.

Cubs’ Wood gets it done on the mound, the plateBy Bruce MilesTravis Wood did it all for the Cubs Monday night. He pitched 7 solid innings of 1-run ball against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field. Wood also helped himself with the bat, hitting a 3-run homer in the second and an RBI double in the fourth.

Quagliano connects, and Wheeling winsDaily Herald reportWheeling senior Katie Quagliano hit and pitch her team to victory on Monday at Heritage Park in Wheeling. Quagliano belted a two-out, bases-loaded double in the bottom of the fifth inning to give the Wildcats a 3-2 lead over visiting Prospect. Nikki Mikosz, Christina Ambrose (2-for-3) and Alexa Fishman scored on Quagliano’s big hit. Anne Janulis’s RBI groundout in the sixth got home Lauren Hart (triple) for Wheeling’s final run in the 4-2 triumph.

Mundelein handles WheelingDaily Herald reportMundelein got a 25-22, 25-17 sweep over Wheeling thanks in part to 7 kills by Luke Ramer and 5 kills and 4 kills respectively by David Everding and Roman Tkachuk. Everding also had 15 assists.

Grizzlies tie up series with ThunderAssociated PressZach Randolph scored 25 points to help the Memphis Grizzlies defeat the host Oklahoma City Thunder 111-105 in overtime on Monday night and tie their first-round playoff series at one game apiece.Mike Conley added 19 points and 12 assists for the Grizzlies.Randolph’s layup with 26 seconds left in overtime put the Grizzlies up by 2. Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka traveled, giving the ball back to the Grizzlies. Courtney Lee made 2 free throws for Memphis to make it a 4-point game. Durant missed a 3-pointer and Randolph made two free throws with nine seconds left to put the game out of reach.A Kendrick Perkins putback at the buzzer forced OT for the Thunder moments after a 4-point play by Kevin Durant sliced a 5-point lead to 1.

Wedl in command for WaucondaDaily Herald reportKayla Wedl has been rolling up the K’s lately. The Wauconda pitcher has 47 strikeouts in her last three games, including 14 in a 5-0 win Monday over Vernon Hills. Wedl, who did not allow a walk, raised her pitching record to 10-0. The Bulldogs are now 13-1 on the season.

Stone, Noda power Grant victoryDaily Herald reportAndrew Stone moved to 4-0 on the mound for Grant by pitching five innings and striking out two batters, and Ryan Noda had 2 hits, including a 2-run home run, as the Bulldogs topped McHenry 8-3 on Monday.

Dolezal leads Barrington’s chargeBy John LeuschBarrington’s battery was fully charged to start the week against Fremd. Fillies junior pitcher Keenan Dolezal struck out a 13 batters and her freshman catcher Rachel Krzysko blasted the game-winning RBI with her fourth homer of the season as host Barrington won the Mid-Suburban West softball game 5-1 at the Fields of Dreams on Monday.

Benet wins ninth straightBy Jacob OnakIt’s hard to find a flaw in the Benet girls soccer team. The Redwings won their ninth straight game with a 3-0 victory against a Wheaton Academy team that was riding a three-game winning streak.

Palatine powers past Fremd for Kinsella Cup winBy Mike GarofolaMorgan Radtke and Carolyn Soukup combined with a stout Palatine defense to help the Pirates sink host Fremd to win the annual crosstown soccer match between rival girls soccer programs 2-0 on Monday. The Pirates’ win means Palatine has won the coveted Kinsella Cup for the second time in the last three seasons.

Elgin defeats HampshireDaily Herald reportElgin 2, Hampshire 1: The Maroons (3-3) turned up the offense in the second half as they defeated the Whip-Purs in nonconference action. Nancy Garcia scored the Maroons’ first goal off a feed from Gabby Delgado while Marceci Santiago recorded the game-winning goal on a penalty kick. Lexi Maze scored the Whips’ lone goal on an assist from Kaila Higa. Hannah Demel turned away 20 shots for the winners while Kaila Kienzler (7 saves) and Catherine Kochanski (6 saves) split time in goal for Hampshire.

Softball/Fox Valley roundupDaily Herald reportCary-Grove 8, Crystal Lake South 6: The Trojans (7-5, 2-1) scored 3 in the top of the seventh to steal away a win on the road in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division action. Jamie Deering had a double with a pair of RBI to power the offense. Lauren Stanley came on in relief and left with the win, going 3 innings giving up just 1 hit and 1 run. For the Gators, Hailee Massie had a double and 3 RBI while teammate Jenica Terry smashed a solo homer. Massie also took the loss in relief, giving up 2 runs without allowing a hit.McHenry 11, Dundee-Crown 0: Mustering only 2 hits in the game, the Chargers were unable to generate much of anything, falling in the FVC Valley. Lauren Mercado and Mallory Schilf each had a single, the only hits for the Chargers. Lauren Girard took the loss.Hampshire 20, Johnsburg 3: Nine of the 19 Whip-Pur hits went for extra bases as they jumped all over Johnsburg to stay perfect in the FVC Fox. All but two of Hampshire’s (10-7, 3-0) starters had a hit with Becca Hurst (2 2Bs, 4 RBI, 2 RS) and Sara Finn (4-for-5, 2 2Bs, 3 RBI, 2 RS) leading the way. Haley Widmayer fired 5 innings of 4 hit ball, giving up 2 runs and striking out 8.Bartlett 11, Batavia 1: Scoring 7 runs in the top of the fourth, the Hawks (10-4, 4-2) cruised to an easy victory over Upstate Eight Conference foe Batavia on the road. Amy Johnson crushed a 2-run home run for her only hit, while teammate Alex Morales had 3 singles and 2 RBI. Aylssa Nowak improved her record to 4-0 as she pitched a complete game, giving up only 1 run on 5 hits.Larkin 14, East Aurora 0: Larkin’s (3-7, 1-4) bats finally woke up, scoring enough to run-rule the Tomcats in UEC action. Alex Bednarski had 2 doubles and 3 RBI while teammate Sophie Young also had a pair of RBI. Sarah Hansen earned the complete-game shutout, striking out 5 on her way to the win.

Burlington Central’s Schutta throws perfect gameDaily Herald reportBurlington Central senior Jacob Schutta was perfect on Monday. As in perfect game. Schutta struck out 13 of Harvard’s 21 batters, didn’t walk anyone and his team played errorless defense behind him as the Rockets won the Big Northern East game 9-0.

Conant turns away Fremd in OTDaily Herald reportConant survived a close call with Fremd in an 11-10 overtime decision in girls water polo on Monday.

Minnesota wins in OT, Avs lead series 2-1Associated PressST. PAUL, Minn. — Mikael Granlund’s diving swing at his own rebound 5:08 into overtime gave the Minnesota Wild a 1-0 win over Semyon Varlamov and the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 on Monday to pull within 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.Varlamov stopped 45 of 46 shots, a franchise playoff record number of shots on goal for the Wild. Granlund cut toward the net for a wrist shot, and as he was falling forward took a stab at the puck to finally put one past Varlamov.Darcy Kuemper made 22 saves, but the Wild goalie in his first career playoff start was just as good as his counterpart.Game 4 is at Xcel Energy Center on Thursday.

Glenbard W. takes consolation in series winBy Kevin SchmitGlenbard West’s baseball team would be thrilled taking two of three from every West Suburban Silver Conference team. That being said, the Hilltoppers wouldn’t mind a do-over of Monday’s 8-4 loss to Hinsdale Central.

Naperville Central gets it doneBy Stan GoffTo hear Maddi Doane explain it, the end to Naperville Central’s softball game on Monday was rather ho-hum. She described the Redhawks’ winning rally in the bottom of the seventh against Lake Park as the old, “Get ’em on, get ’em over and get ’em in” cliché. But the action Monday was intense. The visiting Lancers put up quite a fight against the defending conference champs before falling 2-1 in what was the DuPage Valley Conference opener for both schools.

Sox rally for 3-1 win over TigersAssociated PressDETROIT — Jose Abreu and Dayan Viciedo hit RBI doubles in the seventh inning, and the White Sox rallied for a 3-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Monday night.Chicago scored three runs in the seventh off Anibal Sanchez (0-2) after managing only one hit in the first six innings. John Danks (2-0) allowed six hits and three walks in 6 1-3 innings, but the Tigers could score only one run off him.Ronald Belisario got five outs in relief for the White Sox, and Matt Lindstrom pitched the ninth for his second save.The White Sox scored three runs on four hits in a top of the seventh that took about 25 minutes. Abreu’s tying double was upheld after a replay review, and Chicago scored another run when a call at the plate was overturned following a review.Sanchez allowed three runs and five hits in 6 1-3 innings. He struck out five and walked one.Danks appeared to be in trouble in the second, when the Tigers had the bases loaded with nobody out after two straight walks. Alex Avila brought a run home with a groundout, but Danks got out of the jam thanks to two consecutive popups.The Chicago left-hander went on to post his fourth consecutive quality start to begin the season.Sanchez looked even better until the game slowed to a crawl in the seventh. After a leadoff double by Conor Gillaspie, Abreu lifted a drive down the line in right that a sliding Torii Hunter was unable to come up with. The ball bounced into the seats for a double, and although the Tigers challenged whether it was fair or foul, the call was upheld and the game was tied.One out later, Viciedo put the White Sox ahead with a double to deep center, and Alexei Ramirez followed with a single to left. Viciedo initially held up at third, but left fielder Rajai Davis’ throw missed everybody, and the ball ended up near the Chicago dugout.Sanchez retrieved it and threw back to the plate, where a sliding Viciedo was at first called out. The White Sox had lost their challenge earlier in the game, but umpires chose to review the play, and the call was changed, putting Chicago up 3-1.The Tigers put men on first and third with one out in the seventh, but Ian Kinsler hit into a double play. The Tigers had men on first and second with one out in the ninth, but Davis lined out to left and Kinsler hit a grounder to end it as rain began to fall over the field.Miguel Cabrera’s early slump continued. The Detroit slugger went 0 for 4, lowering his average to .206.NOTES: Chicago’s Adam Dunn struck out three times. ... Justin Verlander (2-1) takes the mound for Detroit on Tuesday night. Chris Sale (3-0) was listed as the Chicago starter, but manager Robin Ventura indicated he might need to be replaced because of general muscle soreness.

Carlson’s blast lifts Marengo over Burlington CentralBy John RadtkeHitting coaches would pay to have a video of Taylor Carlson’s at-bat in the sixth inning Monday. The Marengo senior catcher’s swing on a pitch on the outside corner from Burlington Central senior left-hander Brooke Gaylord was picture perfect and turned out to be a game-winning 2-run home run to right-center field that catapulted the host Indians to a 4-2 win over the defending Big Northern East champion Rockets.

Blues infuriated by Hawks’ comments to BackesBy Mike SpellmanThe “wakey, wakey” controversy is far from put to bed. One look at the crowd of reporters gathered around Duncan Keith’s locker after Monday’s morning skate was absolute proof of that.

Prairie Ridge outlasts JacobsBy Dave HessIn a closely contested game, any mistake can be costly. Jacobs found that out the hard way. Hindered by baserunning mistakes and shoddy defense, the Golden Eagles couldn’t overcome their miscues in a 3-1 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division softball loss to Prairie Ridge in Algonquin Monday afternoon.

Donohue gets Prospect’s bats goingBy Dick QuaglianoPat Donohue changed Prospect’s fortunes with just one swing of his bat Monday in Mt. Prospect. Donohue, who bats first, lined the first pitch of Prospect’s first inning at-bat into center for a single. That spark got the Knights, who had been struggling offensively in their last two games, off to a great start as Prospect rolled past Buffalo Grove 11-0 in 5 innings.

Long, winding recruiting road ends with Adduci at DrakeBy Craig BrueskeDom Adduci is a self-confessed Midwestern boy at heart. Therefore, he should feel right at home over the next 4 years in Iowa’s capitol city of Des Moines. Earlier this month, the St. Charles East senior basketball standout verbally committed to attend Drake University this fall.

Perryman’s big day carries Elgin to 7th straightBy Scott MillerElgin’s explosive offense may have been a little quiet on Monday, but it really didn’t matter with the way Jennah Perryman was pitching. The senior right-hander struck out 12 batters and threw a complete game 2-hitter in the Maroons’ 4-1 Upstate Eight Conference crossover victory against visiting Metea Valley. Perryman also helped herself at the plate as she went 3-for-3 with 2 doubles, an RBI, and a run scored.

Penguins take 2-1 series lead in ColumbusAssociated PressCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Brandon Sutter, Lee Stempniak and Olli Maatta scored in a span of 2:13 of the third period to revive the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 4-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night.Pittsburgh took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series thanks to the goals on three consecutive shots.Brooks Orpik added a goal in the final seconds of the second period as the Penguins stormed back from deficits of 2-0 and 3-1. Marc Andre-Fleury had 27 saves.Boone Jenner and Jack Johnson staked the Blue Jackets to an early lead in the opening 3:18, with Cam Atkinson getting credit for a goal early in the final period that stretched the lead to 3-1.But then the Penguins found their game, dominating with a 41-20 advantage in shots on goal and controlling the pace to disappoint a raucous overflow crowd of 19,148. Beau Bennett and Paul Martin each had two assists for the Penguins, as did Brandon Dubinsky for the Blue Jackets, who were trying for their first playoff victory at home. They were 0-5 in the postseason until pulling off a stunning 4-3 double-overtime victory Saturday night in Pittsburgh.Down 3-1 after Dubinsky’s twirling backhander went in off Atkinson’s glove just over a minute into the final period, the Penguins found another gear.Martin’s shot from the point was redirected by Sutter cut the lead to a goal. Stempniak took a short pass from Kris Letang and waded in from the right wing, beating goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, who finished with 37 saves, 1:10 later.Then Maatta’s shot from the point glanced in off defenseman James Wisniewski, thoroughly deflating a crowd waiting to celebrate an historic win.All three games have ended up 4-3, with one team building a 3-1 edge.Columbus’ last best chance came with 30 seconds left when Fleury made a blocker save on Ryan Johansen’s hard shot.For years, Penguins fans flooded into Nationwide Arena and had little opposition when they led “Let’s go, Pens!” cheers. But Columbus’ front office sold playoff tickets to Ohio addresses first, cutting down on long-distance buyers. As a result, the crowd was loud and decidedly partisan for the Blue Jackets.

West Aurora scores early and late in DVC openerBy Kevin McGavinThe Upstate Eight Conference had a sneak peak of its soon-to-be two newest members Monday afternoon in Aurora. West Aurora scored five times in the opening two innings and added another 5-run outburst in the bottom of the sixth inning to ease to an 11-3 softball victory over Glenbard East in the schools’ DuPage Valley Conference opener.

Parsons, Lake Zurich have a blastBy Bill PemsteinIn between the small raindrops, a softball game at Lake Zurich featured some big blasts and some quality pitching. And for those late-arriving guests, missing the first inning was not a good move. That’s when Warren slugger Megan Scott launched a two-out, 2-run homer to center field. And in the bottom half of the frame, both LZ’s Mallory Parsons and freshman Amanda Guercio answered with blasts of their own. Seven runs scored in the first inning — and then both hurlers, Olivia Schneider for Lake Zurich and Jana Wagner for Warren, settled down. Parsons’ blast came with the sacks loaded and set the tone for Lake Zurich’s 8-3 NSC Lake Division win on Monday.

Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah: ‘This award is a team award’By Mike McGrawJoakim Noah had been in a solemn mood since the death last week of his basketball mentor, Tyrone Green. Noah declined to talk about it for two days and was concise when speaking to the media after the Game 1 loss to Washington. On Monday, Noah was more like his usual self. Upon sitting down on the stage, preparing to accept the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, he smiled at family members seated in the front row.

Watch for Bulls to reboundBy Mike McGrawThere are endless reasons to feel pessimistic about the Bulls’ chances against Washington in this first-round playoff series. But the Bulls have a knack for tuning up their game and turning up the intensity whenever they seem overmatched. Maybe not against Miami in the postseason, but this is the first round.

Girls soccer / Top 20Buffalo Grove, Hinsdale Central and Waubonsie Valley have the top three spots in the Daily Herald's ranking of the top 20 girls soccer teams.

American Meb Keflezighi wins Boston MarathonAssociated PressOne year after a bombing there killed three people and left more than 260 injured, American runner Meb Keflezighi added Boston to a resume that includes the New York City Marathon title in 2009 and a silver medal in the 2004 Olympics. Running just two weeks before his 39th birthday, he had the names of the 2013 bombing victims on his bib. “At the end, I just kept thinking, ‘Boston Strong. Boston Strong,”’ he said. “I was thinking, ‘Give everything you have. If you get beat, that’s it.’”

Libertyville’s Joshi commits to IonaBy John LeuschDevika Joshi led Libertyville’s girls water polo team in goals, assist and steals as a junior. Wildcats fans are seeing much more of the same from the senior this season. And in less than year, it will be collegiate fans seeing the skills of Joshi. Last week, she made a verbal commitment to play for Iona College in New Rochelle, NY.

Bauries tackles a future at ConcordiaBy John LeuschAfter his senior season last fall, David Bauries earned high praise from Hoffman Estates football coach Mike Donatucci. “David is one of the most disciplined kids I have ever coached,” he said. “He is very instinctive and a great team leader.” Bauries had decided to take those leadership skills and his astute tackling ability to Concordia University in Wisconsin.

Business

Court to hear dispute over Internet TV broadcastAssociated PressThirty years after failing to convince the Supreme Court of the threat posed by home video recordings, big media companies are back and now trying to rein in another technological innovation they say threatens their financial well-being.

AT&T explores expansion of super-fast InternetAssociated PressAT&T plans a major expansion of super-fast Internet services to cover as many as 100 municipalities in 25 metropolitan areas, including Chicago. The service, called GigaPower, has a 1 gigabit per second speed that is about 100 times what U.S. consumers typically get with broadband. That means faster video downloads and the ability for more devices to connect to the network without congestion.

Stocks log longest winning streak in six monthsAssociated PressThe stock market logged its longest winning streak in six months Monday as another big week for company earnings began. Halliburton, an oil and gas drilling company, rose after reporting a first quarter profit on rising revenue in the Middle East and Asia. Toymaker Hasbro gained after it said it returned to profitability in its first quarter, driven by sales of girls’ toys such as My Little Pony and Nerf Rebelle. Netflix surged after the close after the company said its earnings surged as it attracted more subscribers.

Hillshire agrees to buy Van’s Natural Foods for $165 millionBloomberg NewsChicago-based Hillshire Brands Co., the maker of Jimmy Dean sausages and Ball Park hot dogs, agreed to buy Van’s Natural Foods from private-equity firm Catterton Partners for about $165 million to add healthy breakfast foods.Van’s is expected to have net sales of $60 million this year, Chicago-based Hillshire and Greenwich, Connecticut-based Catterton said today in a statement. The deal is expected to be completed next month.Hillshire Chief Executive Officer Sean Connolly said last year that the company was focused on offering more healthy options for customers. Van’s, based in Phoenix, makes a range of wellness-oriented products, including frozen gluten-free pancakes and whole-grain waffles.Hillshire rose 0.1 percent to $36.15 at 9:44 a.m. in New York. The shares have gained 8 percent this year through April 17, compared with a 0.9 percent increase for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.To contact the reporter on this story: Kevin Orland in Chicago at korlandbloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Kevin Orland at korlandbloomberg.net John Lear

TreeHouse Foods buying Protenergy for about $150MAssociated PressOak Brook-based TreeHouse Foods is buying private label food and beverage company Protenergy Natural Foods for 170 million Canadian dollars (about $150 million).Canada’s Protenergy is mostly known for its private label broth, soups and gravies. Its 2013 sales amounted to 130 million Canadian dollars.TreeHouse makes various products including non-dairy powdered creamers, private-label canned soups and salad dressings.“The acquisition of Protenergy is expected to expand our existing packaging capabilities and enables us to offer customers a full range of soup products, both wet and dry. The addition of Protenergy is also expected to leverage our research and development capabilities in the evolution of shelf stable liquids from cans to cartons,” TreeHouse Chairman, President and CEO Sam Reed said in a statement on Monday. TreeHouse Foods Inc. is buying Protenergy from Whitecastle Investments Ltd., Whitecap Venture Partners and others. Protenergy has about 300 employees with headquarters in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, and operates a second production facility in Cambridge, Md.The acquisition will impact TreeHouse’s 2014 earnings by about 5 cents to 7 cents per share and add about 11 cents to 14 cents to earnings per share in 2015.The transaction is targeted to close late in the second quarter. TreeHouse also confirmed that it expects first-quarter adjusted earnings between 77 cents and 80 cents per share. Sales for the period were better than expected, up about 15 percent to approximately $619 million. The Oak Brook, Ill., company reaffirmed its forecast for 2014 earnings of $3.50 to $3.60 per share. The guidance doesn’t account for the additional earnings anticipated from the Protenergy deal.Analysts polled by FactSet predict first-quarter earnings of 79 cents per share on revenue of $612.3 million. Full-year earnings are expected to be $3.57 per share.

Hasbro posts 1Q profit, sales of girls’ toys riseAssociated PressHasbro returned to profitability in its first quarter, driven by sales of girls’ toys such as My Little Pony and Nerf Rebelle. The prior-year results were dragged down by restructuring charges.Its latest earnings topped Wall Street estimates but revenue was short of what analysts expected.

Higher costs pressured businesses in 1st quarterBy The Associated PressRising costs for materials and labor appear to be pressuring businesses, according to a quarterly survey from the National Association of Business conomics. During the first quarter of the year, 31 percent of businesses surveyed reported higher material costs, more than double the 15 percent that saw costs rise in the previous survey.

Hoffman entrepreneur raises bar with new non-alcoholic drink productBy Anna Marie KukecKukec's People column features Adam Leja of Hoffman Estates who survived a crash involving a drunk driver and had to let go of his dream to becoming a baseball star. Instead, he has become an entrepreneur and founded a company that produces a non-alcoholic drink.

Craig Zadan, Neil Meron to produce 3rd Oscar showAssociated PressThe producers behind the last two Oscar telecasts are coming back for a third time. The film academy announced Monday that Craig Zadan and Neil Meron will return to produce the 87th annual Academy Awards. The two were responsible for the 2013 show hosted by Seth MacFarlane and this year’s telecast starring Ellen DeGeneres.

Kelis remains versatile on ‘Food’By Stacy A. AndersonHungry for good music? Order Kelis’ new album, “Food.” The R&B-pop-dance-soul singer, who had a breakthrough with the 2003 adventurous hit “Milkshake,” returns with an album full of soulful horns, lush strings and thumping piano keys that feel grand.

Fittest Loser contestants: Support keeps them on targetBy Lisa Jones TownselIt's Week 9 and the Fittest Losers reflect on the many people who have jumped on board their weight loss journey. The contestants are a strong bunch with an eagle-eye focus on reaching their golden numbers. But they will tell you that accomplishing such a feat is only possible because of their even stronger support systems helping them to stay the course.

Bid, Dick, bid: ‘Dick and Jane’ artworks for saleAssociated PressIn the portrait, the little boy’s blue eyes twinkle as he looks straight ahead. His apple cheeks shine. There’s a gap in his teeth, and his reddish-brown hair is just slightly tousled. He’s an All-American boy.

Joss Whedon releasing film for digital downloadBy Jake Coyle, Associated PressJoss Whedon is releasing a film he wrote as a $5 digital download, bypassing the normal channels of independent film distribution. In a video announcement Sunday following the premiere of the supernatural romance “In Your Eyes” at the Tribeca Film Festival, Whedon says the film will immediately be released online via Vimeo On Demand and InYourEyesMovie.com.

‘Captain America’ tops box office for third weekAssociated PressCaptain America continues to vanquish box office foes, triumphing in ticket sales for the third consecutive week and dominating over megastar Johnny Depp’s new movie. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” added another $26 million to its coffers, according to studio estimates Sunday, while Depp’s sci-fi thriller, “Transcendence,” opened in fourth place with $11 million.

Lohan says on reality show she had miscarriageAssociated PressLindsay Lohan says she suffered a miscarriage during the taping of her reality TV series. The 27-year-old actress made the disclosure during Sunday’s final episode of “Lindsay,” the OWN cable channel series.

Guitarists still making memorable music with StratAssociated PressJimi Hendrix made it shriek. Buddy Holly made it swing. Stevie Ray Vaughn made it snarl. Some of the most legendary guitarists in music history have elicited unforgettable sounds from the Fender Stratocaster, the distinctive double-cutaway guitar born in a small Fullerton, Calif., workshop 60 years ago this month.

Alicia Silverstone out with book ‘Kind Mama’By Alicia RancilioShe’s famous as an actress for “Clueless.” But Alicia Silverstone is also famous for her sometimes controversial ideas about mothering, and now she’s put those philosophies down in writing in a just-published book, “The Kind Mama.” Silverstone, 37, whose son Bear Blu is almost 3, says she had a wonderful pregnancy and wants other women to feel as good as she did. “I knew there was another way, and it would be a more enjoyable, lovely way,” said Silverstone in a recent interview.

‘The Boondocks’ back for final ‘offensive’ seasonBy Frazier MooreThe brash animated series “The Boondocks” returns Monday to Adult Swim for its fourth and final season without Aaron McGruder, the man who spawned it, but with its brashness intact. Adapted by McGruder in 2005 from his comic strip of the same name, “The Boondocks” quickly distinguished itself for its pull-no-punches exploration of the black experience in the U.S., where living, making a living and just growing up can pose special challenges for African-Americans.

Lifestyle changes are easier with supportive friends and familyBy Lisa Jones TownselWeight loss is typically a private effort, but freelance writer and substitute teacher Lisa Jones Townsel is glad that she widened her circle to allow in the support of others. She says there’s no way that she could’ve gotten this far without those who have mentally given me her arms to lean on, email space to rant, or simply just time to let her “be” when she was crabby and achy all over.

Battle against bulge continues for community groupsBy Lisa Jones Townsel Getting fit might have been a new initiative for many at the beginning of the Fittest Loser Community Challenge, but it appears to be old hat for them now. In fact, many groups report that making healthy lifestyle changes has become second nature. And one thing is for sure: With just a few short weeks to go, they are rallying together and preparing their troops for a battle against the bulge to the very end.

Your health: ‘Plastic surgery tourism’ proves dangerousConsidering going under the knife? You’re not alone. In fact, not only do many opt to have plastic surgery, many are doing it out of the country for a more affordable price, Beauty World News reports. Known as “plastic surgery tourism,” patients head out of the country seeking to get the most bang for a little buck. But, the results can be disastrous.

Exercise tips for busy mothersStaying fit and being busy aren’t mutually exclusive. You just need to be a little creative with your schedule and your definition of exercise.

From 'Unwrapped' to new TV show 'Rewrapped'By Lynn Elber, Associated PressConsider the simple but beloved chocolate chip cookie. Now imagine that cookie encrusting a brioche roll tucked around a turkey meatball. Such is the culinary fallout from “Rewrapped,” a new Food Network series that builds on the tradition of “Unwrapped.” “Rewrapped,” debuting at 7 p.m. Monday and hosted by Joey Fatone, is a competition in which chefs re-create a brand product and then use it in original, sometimes mind-boggling, recipes.

Stephen Spinella on hair, bombs and his new playBy Mark KennedyStephen Spinella’s double life is about to get complicated, thanks to some new facial hair. The two-time Tony Award-winner is starring on Broadway in “The Velocity of Autumn” and also moonlighting on TV in “Royal Pains.” But to play the stage role, he’s grown a soul patch and a mustache. That might make the folks at USA Network fret.

Take time to select right plantsBy Tim JohnsonFor a successful garden, take the time to select plants that are suited to your garden’s growing conditions and fulfill your design criteria. Putting the right plant in the right location will result in a better-looking garden that requires less maintenance.

Only ‘true leaves’ can make food for plantsBy Mary BoldanQ. On the directions for some seeds I started, it said to transplant them into larger containers when the first true leaves appear. What do they mean by “first true leaves”?

Discuss

Mafia unworthy of academics’ obsessionA letter to the editor: “Et tu, “Brute?” We refer to Burt Constable’s recent profile of Wayne A. Johnson’s college course on “the mob.” We know: Mr. Constable is just doing his job. But, it’s funny how professors who don’t share the media’s — and now, alas, academia’s — obsession with Italian-surnamed criminals never get equal time or coverage.

All of us have duty to report hate crimesA Palatine letter to the editor: Trying to make sense of the senseless, many are asking what precipitated the murders of three people outside a Jewish retirement facility and community center in America’s heartland. The question begs an excuse for an act so heinous that there is none, and it reveals how little we understand about hate crimes and those who carry them out.

Local farmers provide more healthful produceA Sugar Grove letter to the editor: Veggies, fruits and eggs harvested within a day or two of a farmers market are fresh, crisp, loaded with flavor and packed with nutrients. Today, more than ever, it is so important to understand where and how your produce, eggs and meat have been grown.

Lawmakers have power to make change nowAn Inverness letter to the editor: The legislature already has the power to set both the nominal flat income tax rate and the point at which it begins to be levied. The higher the attachment point, the lower the effective tax rate for lower income earners — converting a nominally flat tax rate into a graduated effective tax rate.

Pastors misguided belief in Fair TaxA Warrenville letter to the editor: I had to smile, when I read the letter from a coalition of pastors, advocating a “Fair Tax” in Illinois. The Fair Tax compels high income persons to pay a higher percentage of taxes than low income persons. They argue that God, in Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions, obligates us to help the poor.

Reconsider plans to end Leap programsA Naperville letter to the editor: I have concerns about Naperville District 203’s recently announced proposal to eliminate the long-standing Leap and K-Leap reading programs. I am the mother of three District 203 graduates, and a former elementary school library media center director and children’s services librarian. In the early 1990s, I worked for two years as a Leap Tutor.

School versus food not much of a choiceA St. Charles letter to the editor: “The Freshman 15” is an expression commonly used that refers to the weight often gained during a student’s first year at college. However, for some of Illinois’ college students this euphemism could not be farther from the truth.

Martial arts do not teach violenceA St. Charles letter to the editor: Recently the Daily Herald published an article titled “For Some Kids, Martial Arts Can Be Offensive.” I own and operate a martial arts dojo in St. Charles, and thought sharing the other side of the story was important and necessary for the community to hear.